Final answer:
The nucleus accumbens is involved in seeking pleasure and reward by releasing dopamine in response to rewarding stimuli. It is fairly well-developed in teenagers, often leading to risk-taking behaviors due to the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control. The correct answer is: c. Seeks pleasure and reward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nucleus accumbens is a key structure in the brain associated with the reward system. It is responsible for seeking pleasure and reward, which helps explain why adolescents can exhibit increased risk-taking behaviors. This part of the brain reacts to rewarding stimuli by releasing dopamine, which contributes to feelings of pleasure and motivates individuals to repeat behaviors that provide such rewarding experiences.
The development of the nucleus accumbens in teenagers is ahead of other brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order functions such as impulse control and planning. Therefore, the balance between a developed nucleus accumbens and an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex can lead to the emotional outbursts and risk-taking often seen in adolescence.
Regarding the question, the correct answer is: c. Seeks pleasure and reward.